Whether you have been caravanning for a number of years and now find the grandchildren want to join you, or are touring as a family but the kids are now looking for a bit of extra space, you could find yourself wondering, “Can you sleep in a caravan awning?”
The best caravan awning can, after all, be a very useful touring accessory, whether it’s for storage or relaxing during the day. If you’re after a bit of extra space once you’re pitched up on site, choosing the right awning can potentially save you from having to upgrade your van. So, can you sleep in a caravan awning?
The good news is that, yes, it should be perfectly possible to sleep in an awning. It will simply require choosing a caravan awning which comes with an optional inner tent. This can then be put inside the awning, giving you an additional bedroom and some valuable extra sleeping space.
These are often placed in an optional annex to the awning, as it will then keep the main part of the awning clear.
When it comes to choosing the right one, there are plenty of options to consider that will offer this from a variety of caravan awning manufacturers. Sunncamp’s Icon Air awning, for example, has just such a thing. Most Outdoor Revolution caravan awnings come with an optional two-berth inner tent, as do most Dorema models.
Another handy feature worth looking out for when you’re choosing one (and many of them should have this) is ensuring that they are made of blackout material. This will mean whoever is sleeping in the awning shouldn’t be kept awake by any external light.
However, a bit of buying advice from me, and one thing to watch out for: factor in where the door on your caravan is positioned before you make your purchase. For instance, those who own a two berth tourer will find the door is most likely going to be towards the back of the caravan.
In these circumstances, I would possibly be inclined to go for a full awning, rather than a porch awning, as this will make sure the entranceway is covered. If you do, make sure you know how to put up a full poled caravan awning, to simplify the process once you’re at your campsite.
After choosing a suitable awning, one thing you will want to do is keep it in good condition. Take a look at our pick of the best caravan awning cleaners to see our favourite products to keep it looking its best.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Caravan, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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